MT. CRISTOBAL: HIKING GUIDE | QUEZON TOURIST SPOTS

Mt. Cristobal is one of the famous mountains in Luzon because of the the countless stories, rumors and legends about "ghost" and other extra terrestrial events. As a result, the title "devil's mountain" was given to this pride of Quezon. Aside from those, Cristobal also hides an amazing terrains, surrounded with a dense forest areas. There are mosses, ferns and orchids hanging on the branches, a proof that this wildlife sanctuary is still preserved. Also, the ambiance and weather is cool because its stands 1,470 MASL.

Mt. Guiting-guiting, Romblon

Mt. Guiting-guiting in Sibuyan, Romblon is famous in the world of mountaineering because of its majestic beauty and is listed as one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the Philippines. Garnered a nine over nine rating in terms of difficulty, this mountain hides an unspoiled beauty and vast diversity of flora and fauna on the summit. Plus, trekking this forested mountain slopes can provide a great hiking experience. Also, G2, another name given to the mountain, is just one of the must visit spots in Romblon aside from the marble products, the province also has a lot of gorgeous and breathtaking beaches and dive sites awaiting to be discovered.

Mt. Ugo

Traversing Mt. Ugo is a bit long because it is one of the giants in Luzon. Our traverse was a two-day hiking itinerary from Brgy. Kayapa, Nueva Vizacaya to Itogon, Benguet. The terrain has a relaxing and cool ambiance, surrounded by stunning greens. This mountain bears colorful ornaments spread on the trails and hanging on the trees. Of course, birds are singing their lullabies, definitely one of the must-visit attractions and destinations in Benguet.

Mt. Timbak

I've been hearing from friends that Mt. Timbak and Mt. Tabayoc are just two of the must hiked mountains in the Cordilleras. In terms of altitude, this mountain stands 2,717 MASL and garnered an easy trail class - which I think is true. Among the provinces in CAR, Benguet is really a bomb and prominent to tourist, especially hikers, because of its rich forested mountain slopes, hike on relaxing ambiance and a beauty that can only be found in nature, plus a glimpse of the local livelihood.

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Tourist Spots

For me, the Province of Tawi-Tawi is the hardest province to penetrate because of its geographical location. Not only that, it is always associated with "war" and most of the time, being judged and considered as "unsafe" for travelers, which I disagree! Bongao is the busiest municipality in the province but has a lot of stunning tourist spots and destinations that are just waiting to be recognized.

Basilan Tourist Spots

Traveling to Isabela City, Basilan is less than two hours from the port of Zamboanga City. Is it safe in Basilan? It's a YES! There are news about ASG and terrorist acts happening in the province, but it doesn't mean that it's not safe. There are two cities in Basilan, Lamitan (the capital) and Isabela (part of Region 9), that serve as the center. Like the other cities, huge business establishments, transportation and people are present in every corner. From the port of Isabela City, while holding my mobile phone and using Google Map, I walked on the streets to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations in the city. Did this alone and it's safe.

Butuan City Tourist Spots

1. Butuan National Museum

This branch of the National Museum houses a collection of relics discovered in the region. There are ceramics, earthenware, locally woven fabrics, paintings, books, jars, skeletons, and many more. Each of the items is enclosed in glass cabinets while the others are on the walls.

The Capitol, Sultan Kudarat Top Tourist Spot

The provincial capitol of Sultan Kudarat is situated in Isulan and according to reviews, it is one of the most beautiful capitols in the Philippines - it's definitely a big YES for me. The capitol compound is 9.2 hectares covered with well maintained landscape, while the artistic structures is based on Islamic architecture, painted with white and gold. On the other hand, in the middle of the capitol ground, there's a gigantic golden statue of Sultan Kudarat whom the province was named after.

Isla Jardin Del Mar

A gorgeous view by the beach of Isla Jardin del Mar.

Upon arrival, I easily heard the relaxing rushing waves hitting the shoreline. After paying the entrance fee, with excitement, I headed to the side where the sound came from and found a stretch of fine white sand and playful crystal clear water. Not only that, this beach has emerald seas, the coconuts, and the trees by the beach serve as a perfect backdrop. By the way, the wind is cool and fresh and the area has a relaxing ambiance - perfect for family outing and weekend getaway. 

Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental: Tourist Spots

After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City but I chose Ozamis because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Ozamis Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands but when I arrived in the center, this city is the same with the other cities, business establishments are in every corner, transportation is continuous and the streets are undeniably busy. From the Ozamis Integrated Terminal, I rode in a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations.